We, the concerned citizens and visitors of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), respectfully request our Council leaders to sign, the legislation as proposed, which seeks to improve the museums food environment for the sake of the overall health and well-being of all visitors.

Food related health issues have become an epidemic within the African American community. Heart disease, cancer and strokes as some of the leading causes of death in the African American community, just to name a few. There is a 56.9% obesity rate for African American woman and a 37.6% obesity rate for African American men. We believe that The NMAAHC, a museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture can help change the eating habits of our people by offering a healthier alternative diet option.

With the countless number of visitors just think of how many people you can change. You may unlock a new love for health with some of our visitors; therefore changing their entire dynamic of health. We propose a food section strictly for vegans and vegetarians and a soul food theme on veganism. By offering alternative health based options we can combat the high fat diet that many African Americans succumb to.

With health complications being one of the top causes of death within the community we feel that is not only senseless but offensive to have a kitchen rigged with fried chicken, shrimp and grits and various sugar based cakes and pastries and no healthy alternatives.

Veganism and plant based diets are part of our history and to leave that out of a museum built to reflect our culture and accomplishments is unacceptable. We propose that a representative of the community, myself, Ivan Hall work in direct coalition with the NMAAHC and Smithsonian Institute to appoint an alternative plant based option with a African American infused theme to the kitchen of the museum.